obsessive-compulsive

[ uh b-ses-iv-kuh m-puhl-siv ]

/ əbˈsɛs ɪv kəmˈpʌl sɪv /

adjective

of or relating to a personality style characterized by perfectionism, indecision, conscientiousness, concern with detail, rigidity, and inhibition.

Psychiatry. of or relating to a neurosis characterized by persistent intrusion of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or the performance of actions, as repeated hand-washing, that one is unable to stop (compulsions).

noun

a person having such a personality style.

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Origin of obsessive-compulsive

First recorded in 1925–30

Words nearby obsessive-compulsive

observer, obsess, obsessed, obsession, obsessive, obsessive-compulsive, obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsidian, obsidian dating, obsidional coin, obsolesc.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for obsessive-compulsive

But it looks like it was created by crazed person with obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Red Tape Is Strangling Good Samaritans|Philip K. Howard|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Obsessive-compulsive tendencies really help to enhance abilities,” Okun said.
Why Tourette’s May Be Tim Howard’s Secret Weapon on the Field|Michael Daly|July 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He noted that people with the condition often have obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Why Tourette’s May Be Tim Howard’s Secret Weapon on the Field|Michael Daly|July 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“True Detective,” Obsessive-Compulsive Noir, and “Twin Peaks” by Jimmy So.
ICYMI: Best of The Beast This Week|The Daily Beast|March 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST

It is possible to name an ancestor to this obsessive-compulsive noir: David Lynch.
‘True Detective,’ Obsessive-Compulsive Noir, and ‘Twin Peaks’|Jimmy So|March 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Medical definitions for obsessive-compulsive

obsessive-compulsive

adj.

Having a tendency to dwell on unwanted thoughts or perform certain repetitious rituals, especially as a defense against anxiety from unconscious conflicts.

n.

A person who exhibits obsessive-compulsive behavior.